Venezuela Struck by Two Major Earthquakes
A devastating double earthquake hit Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction. The confirmed death toll has risen to 920, while over 51,000 people are reported missing. The coastal region of La Guaira suffered the heaviest damage, with at least 100 buildings collapsing. Nearly two days after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors, state rescue teams are overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster, forcing many residents to dig through rubble themselves in desperate searches for loved ones.
Survivors Share Heartbreaking Accounts
Among the survivors, Nazareth Jiménez has been searching for her siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends in La Guaira state. She is pleading for global assistance:
“We are asking the government and countries around the world for help. There are still living people trapped there.” - Nazareth Jiménez
Omar Reyes, who lost roughly 20 family members, stated: “I am now all alone in this life.” Meanwhile, 28-year-old Yuleidy Cadena described how her mother’s 12-story building collapsed, and she struggled to find her relatives: “I climbed onto the rubble and called out for anyone to answer, but no one responded. Not my brother, not my son, not my mother. I am just waiting here.”
Late the previous evening, Venezuelan authorities announced they were blocking access to La Guaira, sparking outrage among people trying to locate their missing family. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a full-scale rescue operation, while National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez confirmed the disaster’s severity: “Every person saved is a miracle. We will hide absolutely nothing about the scope of this tragedy.”
The International Organization for Migration estimates that up to 6.76 million people have been affected, with roughly 2 million impacted in Caracas alone. The number of injured has exceeded 3,300, and officials report that 243 people have been rescued so far. International aid is already arriving in Venezuela:
- 861 international volunteers from Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Switzerland, Colombia, and other nations are involved in rescue efforts.
- The United Nations is deploying 1,000 rescuers as part of 25 search-and-rescue teams to help manage the aftermath of the natural disaster.
This catastrophe ranks among the worst in Venezuela’s history, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. In the wake of the earthquakes, which caused immense human and material losses, the international community has mobilized to provide aid, demonstrating solidarity with the victims. However, Venezuela’s internal challenges—including shortages of resources and damaged infrastructure—may hinder the effectiveness of rescue operations and long-term recovery efforts.
The recent earthquakes in Venezuela have caused unprecedented devastation, with the death toll now exceeding 920. For further insights into the initial impact of these tremors, including the early reports of casualties and injuries, you can read more about the tragic events following the initial strikes.